**Tue 20 Aug 13**

R.I.P. FRITZ RAU, QUEEN GERMAN MUSIC PROMOTOR DIES AT 83

Direct link R.I.P. FRITZ RAU. Condolences to family and friends. BILLBOARD

Fritz Rau, German Music Promoter Mick Jagger Dubbed 'Everyone's Fairy Godfather,' Dead at 83

30 August 2013 German concert biz impresario Fritz Rau, a highly respected German promoter, has died at the age of 83 in Kronberg, near Frankfurt. Over the past 50 years Rau organized concerts for acts such as the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Joan Baez, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Charles Aznavour, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Mick Jagger once said of him, "Fritz Rau is everyone's fairy godfather." Al Jarreau referred to him as "everybody's papa." Read more HERE IMDb.com lists for: "Queen: The Magic Years Vol 3 - A Visual Anthology as Himself", which is an interview with Fritz Rau (German tour promoter). brianmay.com

**Tue 20 Aug 13**

FREDDIE MERCURY TRIBUTE CONCERT TRAILER & TRACK LISTING

Direct link Check out trailer to the forthcoming reissue. “The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert” will be released 2 September 2013 (2 September in North America) by Eagle Rock Entertainment on triple DVD set, as an SD Blu-ray and digital formats Queen - The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert ~Trailer

- http://youtu.be/KDEcUtdtld8 The April 20, 1992 event saw the surviving members of Queen – Roger Taylor, Brian May and John Deacon – take to the stage at London's Wembley Stadium to pay tribute the Mercury and to increase public awareness of AIDS, the disease that had prematurely ended his life the previous November. Queen were joined by some of the biggest musical talent in the world to celebrate Freddie's life and work, including David Bowie, Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard, Robert Plant, Metallica and many others. The event was broadcast live on television and radio to 76 countries around the world with an estimated audience of up to one billion. The concert raised a huge and still growing sum of money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity formed at the time by Taylor, May and Queen's longtime manager Jim Beach whose charter is the relief of suffering from AIDS throughout the world. Profits from this release will be donated by the Mercury Phoenix Trust to AIDS charities around the globe. Previously released on VHS and DVD, the reissued "The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert" will be available as a triple DVD set, as an SD Blu-ray – with upscaled standard definition original material with uncompressed stereo and DTS-HD surround sound for the best possible quality - and in digital formats. This release boasts newly remastered sound across both sections of the concert and represents the first time the opening acts' performances have been made available on DVD or Blu-Ray. TRACKLISTNGS: Opening Acts*: Intro

Brian May / Roger Taylor / John Deacon Introduction

Metallica - "Enter Sandman"

Metallica - "Sad But True"

Metallica - "Nothing Else Matters" Extreme - Queen Medley including: "Mustapha" / "Bohemian Rhapsody" / "Keep Yourself Alive" / "I Want to Break Free" / "Fat Bottomed Girls" / "Bicycle Race" / "Another One Bites the Dust" / "Stone Cold Crazy" / "Radio Ga Ga" Def Leppard & Brian May - "Now I'm Here"

Queen - "I'm Going Slightly Mad" video (Insert)

Bob Geldof - "Too Late God"

Guns N' Roses - "Paradise City"

Guns N' Roses - "Knocking on Heaven's Door" Elizabeth Taylor Speech Main Queen + set: Joe Elliott, Slash & Queen - "Tie Your Mother Down"

Roger Daltrey, Tony Iommi & Queen - "I Want It All"

Zucchero & Queen - "Las Palabras De Amor"

Gary Cherone, Tony Iommi & Queen - "Hammer to Fall"

James Hetfield, Tony Iommi & Queen - "Stone Cold Crazy"

Robert Plant & Queen - "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"

Brian May - "Too Much Love Will Kill You"

Paul Young & Queen - "Radio Ga Ga"

Seal & Queen - "Who Wants to Live Forever"

Lisa Stansfield & Queen - "I Want To Break Free"

David Bowie, Annie Lennox & Queen - "Under Pressure"

Ian Hunter, David Bowie, Mick Ronson & Queen - "All the Young Dudes"

David Bowie, Mick Ronson & Queen - "Heroes"

George Michael & Queen - "'39"

George Michael, Lisa Stansfield & Queen - "These Are the Days of Our Lives"

George Michael, London Gospel Choir & Queen - "Somebody to Love"

Elton John, Axl Rose & Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Elton John, Tony Iommi & Queen - "The Show Must Go On"

Axl Rose & Queen - "We Will Rock You"

Liza Minnelli & Ensemble - "We Are the Champions" Bonus material: Rehearsal performances of Queen +:

David Bowie and Annie Lennox - "Under Pressure"

George Michael and Lisa Stansfield - "These Are the Days of Our Lives"

George Michael - "Somebody to Love" 10th Anniversary Documentary

Photo Galleries

Mercury Phoenix Trust Facts Click images for pre-order at Amazon: brianmay.com

**Tue 20 Aug 13**

TOP 10 JOHN DEACON SONGS?

Direct link Ultimate Clasic Rock have picked out their top 10 favourite John Deacon composed songs - do you agree? 10 ‘In Only Seven Days’ - From Jazz (1978)

9 'Who Needs You' - From 'News of the World' (1977)

8 ‘Need Your Loving Tonight’ - From The Game (1980)

7 ‘Misfire’ - From 'Sheer Heart Attack' (1974)

6 ‘One Year of Love’ - From 'A Kind of Magic' (1986)

5 ‘You and I’ - From 'A Day at the Races' (1976)

4 ‘Spread Your Wings’ - From 'News of the World' (1977)

3 ‘I Want to Break Free’ - From 'The Works' (1984)

2 ‘You’re My Best Friend’ - From 'A Night at the Opera' (1975)

1 ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ - From 'The Game' (1980) Go HERE to read why they like them. brianmay.com

**Tue 20 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY IN QUEEN HISTORY

Direct link In 1980 - Queen played the Civic Centre, Hartford, USA.

In 1982 - Queen played The Summit, Houston, USA.

In 2011 - Brian May appeared at We Will Rock You Musical, Dominion Theatre, London (Matinee and Evening performances) - Mazz Murray's shows as Killer Queen. WWRY Speeches - (Ross Hunter, Leanne Pinder and the Legend that is Mazz Murray!)

- http://youtu.be/O79VIcUdKmc WWRY Speeches - (Ross Hunter, Leanne Pinder and the Legend that is Mazz Murray!) brianmay.com

**Mon 19 Aug 13**

***STOP PRESS***

CHANCE TO ATTEND QUEEN AIDS BENEFIT SEPT 5TH!

Direct link A table for this years Queen AIDS Benefit, an evening of Comedy & Rock N' Roll, has been secured, giving fans an opportunity to attend. The event is to be held on the evening on the 5th September at One Mayfair, in London and the table price is £5,000. This is a once in a lifetime chance for you and 9 friends to be a part of the gala event celebrating, what would have been Freddie Mercury's birthday and to raise money for his charity 'The Mercury Phoenix Trust'. Application to be entered into a ballot to buy this table is open via competition@mercuryphoenixtrust.com and will close week ending 30th August. http://www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com brianmay.com

**Mon 19 Aug 13**

FREDDIE FOR A DAY - LONDON HARD ROCK CAFE EVENT DETAILS

Direct link Hard Rock Cafe London: FFAD Event Details - London are Planning a Big One...'Bicycle Race' Marathon Included! Freddie For A Day

Raising awareness for the fight against AIDS and HIV through The Mercury Phoenix Trust

Date: 05/09/2013

Time: 11:30 AM - until close.

Cost: n/a

Age: n/a Hard Rock Cafe London

150 Old Park Lane

London W1K 1QZ

Telephone: 44 0207 514 1700 Come join Hard Rock London as we become "Freddie for a day". The Phoenix Mercury Trust introduced Freddie for a day in memory of Freddie Mercury who died of AIDs in November 1991. Freddie for a day is held every 5th of September as this marks Freddie birthday and was started to raise awareness and funding for the fight against AIDs and HIV. Come join us for a day full of Queen Music, Moustaches, Freddie Costumes, and Bicycle Marathons to help us become Freddie for a day! Staff will be dressed up as Freddie, Queen Music will be played throughout the day, and there will be special Freddie cocktails. Guests will have a chance to wear their Freddie moustaches in support of the Phoenix Mercury Trust! A bicycle marathon will be held in the cafe as our staff cycle in support of the fight against AIDs. Our staff will be riding from 11:30am to 9:00pm non-stop, so please stop by and show your support. Guest will have the opportunity to get involved by wearing Freddie Moustaches, participating in Freddie quizzes, and purchasing Freddie pins. Prizes will be award throughout the day for best Freddie Costumes, Quiz Winners, and our biggest Freddie supporters. This event will run from 11:30 until close. - See more HERE brianmay.com

**Mon 19 Aug 13**

QUEEN LEAD 'TRUCKING SONGS'

Direct link

Eddie Stobart Trucking Songs - The Album - TV Ad - Eddie Stobart Trucking Songs - The Album - TV Ad - http://youtu.be/9l2CcuwGcGI A while since we saw a good compilation album and Queen with the opening track. Here are our boys with 'Don't Stop Me Now', heaing up this offering, riding currently at No7 in the UK Top 40 Official British Compilaiton Chart and as seen on TV. Notably also 'Since You've Been Gone' by Rainbow (good to remember the late Cozy Powell), and 'Davy's On The Road Again' Manfred Mann's Earth Band (Chris Thompson). 3-CD's of Rock Classics- 58 great driving anthemss - also available as Download EDDIE STOBART - TRUCKING SONGS

(Box set) - Click for Amazon

Sony Music brianmay.com

**Mon 19 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY - HAPPY 62nd BIRTHDAY JOHN DEACON + PICTURE TRIBUTE

Direct link The quiet, modest bass player who gave us truly remarkable songs - we salute you. To John

- wishing you a wonderful 62nd Birthday,

and hope you are enjoying a happy retirement.

Brianmay.com

Birthday tribute to John by wonderful Jodie Mercury

A young John Deacon [Credit: Unknown] In 1951 - John Richard Deacon was born in Oadby, Leicestershire, to parents, Lilian and Arthur, destined to be Queen's fourth member and incredible bass player.

In 1982 - Queen played Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, USA. Please enjoy John's last public performance with Queen (sadly)... we still miss him. Queen + Elton John - The Show Must Go On (Live at Bejart Ballet premiere - Paris, 17 Jan 1997)

- http://youtu.be/8c9Q88IBGNE

23,372 brianmay.com

**Sun 18 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY IN QUEEN HISTORY

Direct link In 1979 - Queen played Ludwigsparkstadion, Saarbrücken, Germany.

In 2011 - Lady Gaga + Brian May single collaboration "You and I" promo video debuted on MTV. Lady Gaga - Yoü And I Single Official Video - http://youtu.be/X9YMU0WeBwU

(some may find explicit) alternative viewing from MTV Awards....

Lady Gaga - You And I Full Live Performance At The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA)

- http://youtu.be/Fem7eZlBR4U Lady Gaga - You And I Full Live Performance At The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) brianmay.com



**Sat 17 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY IN QUEEN HISTORY

Direct link Last Horizon / She's A Lady - Brian May, Richard Digance Show 1991 - http://youtu.be/BRHWMOe4EEU In 1971 - Queen played The City Hall, Truro, UK.

In 1980 - Queen played the Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

In 1991 - Brian made a guest appearance on TV on the Richard Digance Show, UK.

Brian on Richard Digance Show brianmay.com

**Fri 16 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY IN QUEEN HISTORY

Direct link In 1966 - The Reaction played The Town Hall, Torquay UK.

In 1980 - Queen played the Civic Centre, Charleston, West Virginia, USA.

In 2002 - Roger Taylor made a guest appearance, F1 gig with V10, Heroes Square, Budapest, Hungary.

In 2003 - We Will Rock You Premier, Regent Theatre, Melbourne. READ review: HERE

In 2009 - Brian May visited Griffith Observatory, USA. READ story from that date: HERE brianmay.com

**Thu 15 Aug 13**

PRESS RELEASE: NEW ALBUM 'FUN ON EARTH' & 'THE LOT' COLLECTION

RELEASED IN OCTOBER - NEW WEBSITE IMMINENT

Direct link Watch out for Roger Taylor's New Website http://www.rogertaylorofficial.com A MUST HAVE FOR ALL ROCK ’N’ ROLL FANS, ‘THE LOT’ IS A SPECIAL BOX SET SPANNING THE CAREER OF ONE OF BRITAIN’S MOST SUCCESSFUL ROCK STARS EVER Roger Taylor, legendary rock icon and full-throttle drumming powerhouse, has confirmed the release of his fifth studio album ‘Fun On Earth’ in October alongside ‘The Lot’, the complete collection of his rich back catalogue of work spanning his solo career and material from The Cross, in stunning limited collectors editions and digital formats. ‘Fun on Earth’ is one of Taylor’s most exciting and accomplished pieces of work to date. Recorded at Priory Studios, Surrey, the 13 track album is a triumphant display of superior musicianship showcasing Taylor at his vocal best. ‘Say It’s Not True’ sees Taylor team up with Jeff Beck for the contemporary Queen favourite while the smooth refrains and heartfelt lyrics of ‘Woman You’re So Beautiful’ and ‘Be With You‘ come together with the powerful, reckless spirit of opening track ‘One Night Stand‘ and ‘I Am The Drummer (In A Rock n’ Roll Band)’ on what is an exhilarating, tour de force of rock music. In an interview with Classic Rock Taylor says of the new album: "My first solo effort (in 1981) was called Fun in Space. I've called this one 'Fun On Earth'. I've come down to earth a bit, but there's still a bit of fun in there - some smiley tracks. It's been written over a five year period, so it's very eclectic. Some gentle stuff, some rockier stuff, and some fairly political stuff." With a juggernaut career spanning six decades, Taylor was the beating heart of Queen penning landmark hits ‘Radio Ga Ga’, ‘A Kind of Magic’ and ‘Days of Our Lives’ while enjoying success across the globe with accomplished solo material which reached the heights of the UK charts. A true rock icon, ‘Fun on Earth’ proves that Taylor is still performing at the top of his game and with a body of work behind him that speaks for itself, ‘The Lot’ is a must-have collectors item for any discerning music lover. Taylor has also been working with The Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band, who are coming to the UK for the first time this October. Having achieved resounding success in North America, the spectacular touring concert has already had to add more dates to its debut UK tour due to phenomenal demand. The show is designed to take the glorious music and live experience of Queen and bring it to a new generation of fans - full tour dates below. Full details of ‘Fun on Earth’ and ‘The Lot’ including release date and tracklisting will be announced in the coming weeks. www.facebook.com/rogertaylor THE QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA - UK TOUR DATES **NEW DATES ADDED** OCTOBER

25 Southampton The Brook

27 Birmingham O2 Academy

28 Oxford O2 Academy

29 Bournemouth O2 Academy

30 Liverpool O2 Academy NOVEMBER

1 Sheffield O2 Academy

2 Leicester O2 Academy

3 Newcastle O2 Academy

4 Glasgow O2 ABC

6 London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

7 Reading Sub 89

8 Worthing Assembly Hall

10 Bath Komedia

11 Manchester Gorilla

12 Bristol Fleece All tickets priced £19.50 plus booking fee

www.queenextravaganza.com brianmay.com

**ThU 15 Aug 13**

NEW CLASSIC ROCK ON SALE NOW - £3.99 AT TESCO!

Direct link The latest Classic Rock is subtitled ‘The American Sh*t-Kicking Rock issue’! Buy your copy at Tesco and get it for the special discount price of just £3.99. There’s also a sensational free CD: We’re An American Band – 15 chest-thumping tracks of new US rock, including Clutch, Beware Of Darkness, Vista Chino, Walking Papers, Scorpion Child and more...

Cover feature: The Bands That Built America - Plus further features on… Roger Taylor: P31-35 EXTRACT:

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

With a new solo album, new Queen activity and more on the way, after 40 years of rock royalty Roger Taylor gives one of his most wide-ranging and revealing interviews ever.

Words Paul Elliot, Portraits Kevin Nixon As befits a member of one of the most successful rock groups of al time ... the home of Roger Taylor is grandoise. A white mansion, part of which dates back to the 13th century, situated in a picturesque village near Guildord in Surrey, the house is set amid acres of landsapeed gardens, with views across miles of gently sloping fields and woodland.... Let's cut straigh to the chase, Roger - what i the status of Queen right now? ... ---



Ginger, Q&A: John Densmore – The former Doors drummer, The Story Behind The Songs: The Rolling Stones Fly On The Wall: ZZ Top, Buyer’s Guide, Competition, Heavy Load: Roy Harper

All this and more in the new Classic Rock – issue No.188; September 2013 edition – in the shops and available electronically now. - Got an iPad or iPhone? Download our free app to get the digital edition of Classic Rock – plus grab your free awards issue! Simply go here http://goo.gl/z4Yhu (in the UK) or here http://goo.gl/YUnR9 (for the US) to get well and truly digitized.

- Buy the print edition from all good newsagents or direct from www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk.

- Get the Classic Rock Spotify app for must-hear mag-related playlists. Go to http://open.spotify.com/app/classicrock or find them in App Finder in Spotify. brianmay.com

**Thu 15 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY IN QUEEN HISTORY

Direct link

Gimme Some Lovin' Brian May & Elio Pace Weekend Wogan 15-08-2010 - Gimme Some Lovin' Brian May & Elio Pace Weekend Wogan 15-08-2010 - http://youtu.be/PqCnEH2P_7o In 1966 - The Reaction played Dartmouth Devon, UK.

In 1982 - Queen played The Civic Centre, St Paul,Minnesota, USA.

In 2010 - Brian May appeared on BBC Radio 2, Weekend Wogan, London, UK - interviewed with Kerry Ellis and Brian performed with Elio Pace.

Brian May and Kerry Ellis Interview - Weekend Wogan 15 Aug 2010 - Brian May and Kerry Ellis Interview - Weekend Wogan 15 Aug 2010 - http://youtu.be/Gucjnk_dzIQ brianmay.com

**Wed 14 Aug 13**

QUEEN MAGIC: FREDDIE MERCURY TRIBUTE & BRIAN MAY INERVIEW

Direct link New book just released - in paperback and Kindle formats. Says author, Jim O'Donnell: With the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert DVD coming out next month, Queen fans might want to check out this brand new book: QUEEN MAGIC: FREDDIE MERCURY TRIBUTE AND BRIAN MAY INTERVIEW. The first part consists of a long review I wrote about the concert, including a great quote about Freddie that I got backstage from Roger Daltrey right after the show. The second part features an interview I did with Brian shortly after Freddie died. At this point, the book is out on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Many thanks to the Queen fans who have over the years encouraged me to get these pieces into book form. I especially hope that the article on the concert enhances enjoyment of the new DVD next month. On a personal note, I'd like to add that Brian May is the finest person in the entire music industry, followed by the late Les Paul and the late Alvin Lee. Brian is always fair, honest and respects you as a person. One of my daughters plays guitar and I always tell her that if she ever becomes well-known, let alone famous, follow the example of Dr. Brian May. Work hard, don't give up, and be good to every single person you deal with. --- QUEEN MAGIC: FREDDIE MERCURY TRIBUTE & BRIAN MAY INTERVIEW [Link to Amazon]

[Paperback]

Jim O'Donnell (Author)

Publication Date: 9 Aug 2013

QUEEN GETS ROYAL...

Paperback: 56 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (9 Aug 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 149123539X

ISBN-13: 978-1491235393

Product Dimensions: 20.3 x 12.7 x 0.3 cm [Kindle Edition] [Link to Amazon]

File Size: 211 KB

Print Length: 39 pages

Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.

Language: English

Text-to-Speech: Enabled

X-Ray: Not Enabled ---



About the Author:

Jim O’Donnell is a longtime music writer whose work is in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame library in Cleveland. He received his first professional newspaper byline for a sports story in 1969. Since that time, his features, profiles, columns and essays have focused mostly on rock ‘n’ roll. His work has been syndicated in newspapers ranging from the San Francisco Chronicle to the Cleveland Plain Dealer to the Boston Herald. O'Donnell has written several books, including The Rock Book (Pinnacle, 1975), Born to Rock (Peacock, 1981), Wonderful Tonight (Hall of Fame, 1993) and The Day John Met Paul (Penguin, 1996; Routledge, 2006). The Day John Met Paul has been published in several languages, ranging from Japanese to Czech to French, and is available on an audiotape read by Rod Davis, a personal friend of John Lennon. O’Donnell has appeared frequently on CNN Radio and has done many television interviews. His biggest TV moment came when he didn't appear on the screen at all, but rather had his name show up in a Jeopardy question. The contestant answered correctly for $400. He holds a Master's Degree from St. Peter's College and studied journalism under New Journalism pioneer Richard Goldstein at New York University. He has also completed graduate courses in Creative Writing and The Teaching of Writing at Harvard University. Whether sitting front-row-center at an Eric Clapton concert in New York City, or standing front-row-center at the gates of Strawberry Field in Liverpool, O'Donnell has traveled the globe as a journalist for many years, searching out stories. He is a member of the Authors Guild, the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and three children. brianmay.com

**Wed 14 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY IN QUEEN HISTORY

Direct link In 1971 - Queen played The NCOs' Mess, RAF Culdrose, UK.

In 1980 - Queen played The Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.

In 1982 - Queen played Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA. brianmay.com

**Tue 13 Aug 13**

PHOTO PASS - THE STORY BEHIND THE SHOT

Direct link Featured last month - here is the text of the article. CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE

August 2013 p28-29 Artist: Queen

Location: La Valbonne, Kingly Street, London, 1975

Photographer: Terry O'Neill Shot at La Valbonne - a nightclub and regular venue for record company press receptions - this rarely seen picture is an out-take from photographer Terry O'Neill's shoot for the single sleeve of Bohemian Rhapsody. O'Neill had shot Elton John since the beginning of his career, his shots appearing on five of Elton's album covers, and the two acts shared a manager in John Reid (also manager of Kevin Ayres). At the time, Bohemian Rhapsody was the most expensive single ever recorded and at almost six minutes long a massive gamble. It became their first hit single, the third best-selling single of all time in the UK and transformed them from proggy also-rans to National Treasures. O'Neill reckons you could sense they were going go be famous. "It was Freddie's voice," he says. "He had a great voice and sometimes that's all it takes - one really great member. But then on top of that Brian was a really great guitarist and Roger was a great drummer . . ." O'Neill shot the band on and off afterwards and especially remembers shooting Freddie "with some opera singer" (Montserrrat Caballé). Had he changed? "No - he'd just matured and become more believing of himself. Everyone's insecure at the start but he'd grown into being a top pop star." They all look quite serious in this pic. "Ah, that's just for the shot", chuckles Terry. " I had to get them to be serious to get the shot to work - if they'd laughed it would have given the game away." TERRY O'NEILL

Born in 1936, Terry O'Neill became one of the key chroniclers of the Swinging 60s and one of the greatest portrait photographers in the world. This image is taken from his latest book, Terry O'Neill - The A-Z Of Fame Fame [link to Amazon], published by ACC Editions. His next book will be a collection of his music photography. brianmay.com

**Tue 13 Aug 13**

ON THIS DAY IN QUEEN HISTORY

Direct link In 1980 - Queen played the Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

In 1982 - Queen played Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA. brianmay.com